Types of Contamination in Landfills and Effects on The Environment: A Review Study

Abstract

Abstract Waste disposal is one of the important problems in the world. In general, wastes are categorized into different groups, and there are some special landfills and methods for disposing of each of these waste materials. However, it should be noted that although there are some rules and regulations that try to reduce the impact of waste disposal, landfills have negative effects on soil, air, water, and natural life. One of the most important sources of pollution in landfills is the leachate that is generated by the decomposition of waste. Leachate can penetrate into the soil and water resources, contaminate them, and can affect human life. Leachate generation has five different phases and each of these phases contains some reactions that have a direct impact on the quality and quantity of leachate. Leachate has four main types of pollution and each of these pollutants can contaminate soil and water resources and be hazardous for aquatic and animals in the soil. In addition, some of these contaminations can enter the food chain and affect the ecosystem and human life. The negative impacts of landfills remain even years after the landfill is closed. Therefore, it is important to consider the short-term and long-term effects of landfills on their surroundings to protect the environment and human health.